3D Printing Policy

The Library’s 3D printer is available for educational, workshop, and programming purposes to make three-dimensional objects in plastic using a design that is uploaded from a digital computer file. The Ocean City, Ocean Pines, Pocomoke, and Snow Hill branch libraries have 3D printers installed as of Fall 2016.

What is available

ROBO 3D R1 Plus

  • Supports ABS or PLA build material. PLA and PLA wood fiber filaments are currently available; other types and specialty filaments will be available at a later date.
  • Designs in .stl or .obj format
  • Objects up to 8”h x 9”w x 10”d can be printed in one color. Colors and filament type subject to availability. Limited quantities of specialty filaments may be available.

Who can print

  • The 3D printer is available for use by all Worcester County Library card holders. Patrons younger than 18 must have a parent/guardian sign the 3D Print Request Form.
  • Printing is available on a first come, first served basis. In times of high demand, the library reserves the right to limit printing. Priority will be given to library programs or activities.
  • Only designated Library staff or trained volunteers will have hands-on access to the 3D printer.

If there is a problem with the design and/or production, the patron will be informed of the problem(s) and the change(s) needed before the design can be printed.
The Library cannot guarantee that a print job will be completed within a particular time frame.

Terms of Use and Copyright

The Library supports the intellectual freedom principles espoused in the Library Bill of Rights and the ALA Code of Ethics.
The Library's 3D printers may be used only for lawful purposes. Users will not be permitted to use the library's 3D printers to create material that is:

  • Prohibited by local, state or federal law.
  • Unsafe, harmful, dangerous, obscene, sexually explicit, poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others, or is otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment.
  • In violation of the terms of use of the manufacturer.
  • In violation of another's intellectual property rights. For example, the printers will not be used to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent or trademark protection.

The Library reserves the right to review and approve all materials before printing, and to refuse any 3D print request.
Supervision of the use of the 3D printer by Library staff does not constitute knowledge, or acknowledgement, of any potential final use of the 3D product, and the Library specifically disclaims any knowledge thereof.

Cost of printing

Cost is dependent on filament type:

  • PLA is 10 cents per gram.
  • Specialty filaments are 25 cents per gram. (Metallic PLA is considered a specialty filament.)

Patrons will be notified when their print job is complete and must pay for print jobs before they will be turned over.
Objects which are not picked up within 14 business days will be discarded or recycled, and cost charged to patron’s account.
Users will not be charged in cases of mechanical failure, objects failing to fully print, errors in the print process, or other factors not in a customer’s control.
Refunds will not be given if an object does not print correctly due to design errors. Patrons may not demand a new print in place of the original due to dissatisfaction with color, scale, quality, design, required support material, or other options pre-selected by the customer.

Quality

3D printed objects may have small bumps, holes, and/or rough edges. These can be cleaned up using fine sand paper.
Objects are printed from the bottom up. If a design has a large overhang or suspended parts, support material and/or rafts may be used. These additions are easily removed by the patron. The Library will not be responsible for removing any supports and/or rafts.

 

Approved by the Worcester County Board of Trustees: September 13, 2016
Policy adapted from Somerset County Library (Maryland)